What can I do?How can I help? I'd like to do something, but I don't know what to do!

These questions come up again and again on how we can give back to those we care about while our loved ones go through the journey of breast cancer.

Here are some ideas that we hope will help you.

Mastectomy Pillows

A very special way of giving to others...

Directions for Mastectomy Pillows

Don't stress over these pillows - it is not brain surgery

they can be a tad larger or smaller - these are sizes

that have worked for me.Adjust size of pillow cover

to undersize or oversize pillows.

Pillow:Use soft white/beige cotton materials

All seams are 1/4"

Cut a piece16"by 11"( or2--- 8" x11")

Fold material to make a 8" x 11" piece or put 2 pieces together

Sew the edges (1/4" seam) - leaving one short side for stuffing.

Turn inside out and use steam iron to make edges flat

Stuffing:

I use batting used for quilts --

cut a piece14"x 10"

Fold to form7" x10" piece and insert inprepared pillow casing

Use Fiberfill type stuffing – in between the layers of quilt batting

(This allows for it being fluffy without lumps)

Do not overfill -- pillow should not be more than about 2 1/2" in

height when you finish stuffing.Shift stuffing so there are no lumps.

Turn the edges inward where you stuffed pillow - so no frayed edges

are present -- sew the two ends togetherusing 1/4" seam

Pillow cover

Use "happy fabric of 100% cotton"

finished size:8"x 11"approximately

Cut :14"x16"or2 -14"x8 1/2"

(If you can use selvage for the 14" side you save having to do an extra fold

If you cannot use selvage - you can either turn the end over, or use pinking shears)

Sew the 16" side-2"to make the open end of the pillowcase.

(if you need to do a double fold so no frayed edges are open - do it before you sew it)

Fold material in half and sew to make the pillow cover.

The love you sew into your pillow will help beyond measure!

You can also add a saying or sentiment to the pillow cover. Ours says:"A gift to you fromBreast Cancer DIYwww.breastcancerdiy.comDo It Yourself, But Not Alone!"

HOW TO USE PILLOW:The pillow is to be used after surgery. You put it under the affected arm, so when your arm is at your side, it does not put pressure on the stitches, or create pressure on the breast area that has stitches. This small pillow can be used in either direction, whichever is most comfortable. Many people use it the long way, finding it more comfortable when walking around; and the short way when sitting. This way it doesn't bunch up, or create pressure. It can be used whichever way feels best, there is not right or wrong way, just what feels good for you.

Special Thank You to:Judy, Cynthia, Heidi ,Karen, Faten, and Marianne (Needles & Pins Long Arm Quilting)and the quilting guilds in Hemet, CA for donating batting and stuffing and fabric for the pillows!

As of October 1, 2011 BCDIY 's volunteers have made and distributed close to 700 mastectomy pillows to the patients at the Comprehensive Cancer Center in Palm Springs, San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital in Banning, CA, and will be supplying pillows to the newly opened Loma Linda University Medical Center in Murrieta, CA., Michelle's Place in Temecula CA, as well as to local surgeons and oncologists.

Chemo Caps as Gifts

We are now offering chemo caps that are all hand knitted or crocheted from our Webstore.Please check them out -- we can also offer special made ones in a specific color - just advise us what color you would like.

Chemo Cap Patterns-Knit & Crochet

We are thankful to Bernat for allowing us to include their pattern on our website: directions are in English & FrenchThese caps are easy enough for the beginner, and so appreciated by patients.Used with Permission of Bernat, Lily or Patons

Quilt of Cancer Scarves

Here is a unique idea for anybody (friend or family) of somebody you know with breast cancer:

Linda Hill in Hemet, CA made a quilt from her daughter, Debi Givens, breast cancer scarves that she wore during and after chemotherapy. This is a fabulous idea, and one that we find heartfelt. Here is the finished product:

click thumbnail photos

We will be offering what we are calling "Chemo Quilts" If you are interested in buying one as a gift, just e-mail us, and we will be glad to make a special one with a dedication from you to your friend or relative, the price will depend upon the size, we will advise pricing once we get this area of our webstore going. email us at breastcancerdiy@earthlink.net for information.

Angelight Worry Stone

This companion angel easily fits in the palm of your hand and comes to remind you that you are not alone. Small enough to fit in a pocket or purse it can be used as a "worry" bead when life seems overwhelming. Rolling it around in one hand or passing it from one hand to another can help relieve the stress and tension that worry creates. It can even serve to remind you to pray.

Breast Cancer Fashions

Often we don't know what to buy or give that person going through breast cancer. Some things you might want to give strictly from yourself, or you might want to get together with a few other people and purchase something nice. Whatever you decide, please know that your generosity and love will be appreciated.

Starting Your Own Group

Sometimes it’s not always easy to drive to a support group in another city – especially with today’s economy.You might be thinking about creating a support group in your town, and we hope these references will help you:

The Gratitude Kit...

Making Memories...

Their mission is to grant wishes, including memory-making events, for metastatic breast cancer patients, while continuing to support, educate and increase resource awareness. At Making Memories, they are dedicated to providing a spark of joy into the lives of women and men who are losing their battle against breast cancer. We are happy to promote this wonderful organization.

If you know any woman currently undergoing chemotherapy, please pass the word to
her that there is a cleaning service that provides FREE housecleaning - once per
month for 4 months while she is in treatment. All she has to do is sign up and
have her doctor fax a note confirming the treatment. Cleaning for a Reason will
have a participating maid service in her zip code area arrange for the service.
This organization serves the entire USA and currently has 547 partners to help
these women. It's our job to pass the word and let them know that there are
people out there that care. Be a blessing to someone and pass this information
along.http://http://www.cleaningforareason.org/